Medical isolation gown with improved donning and doffing features and method therefor

ABSTRACT

A medical gown constructed by heat sealing a tube made by a blown film process. The medical gown having a front panel and a rear panel, a vertical perforation running along the rear panel centerline, two sleeves for covering the arms of a wearer, a sleeve perforation for enabling the wearer to penetrate a portion of their hand therethrough. Each sleeve of the medical gown having an upper seal portion and a lower seal portion, a neck opening between the upper seal portions of the two sleeves, a gap between the lower sealed portions of the two sleeves for accommodating the body of the wearer. An underarm perforation below each sleeve facilitates severing of each of the sleeves from the gown material. Supplemental perforations on either side of the gown are also provided for yielding a pair of straps that can be tied at the rear of the gown.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 63/044,810, filed on Jun. 26, 2020, in the United StatesPatent and Trademark Office. The disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to medical isolation gowns and protectivegarments. More particularly, the present invention relates to medicalisolation gowns having improved donning and doffing features.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Medical workers and health care professionals (HCPs) are routinelyexposed to potential biohazards, infectious diseases, bodily fluids,droplet emissions, splashes and other pathogens. These hazards and theprobability for exposure and infection has increased significantly withthe global pandemic resulting from the spread of COVID-19 virus.

Medical gowns or “isolation gowns” are worn by HCPs including doctors,nurses, physician assistants, and hospital workers while treatingpatients that may have been exposed to contagious and infectiousdiseases to prevent cross-contamination to other patients or other HCPsor visitors.

Recently, there has been a multifold increase in the need for adequateisolation gowns and protective garments that can be readily manufacturedand conveniently donned and doffed to allow a medical professional toattend to the traffic of patients in need of medical care in a moreefficient manner.

Thus, there is an intense need for enhancing usability,manufacturability and effectiveness of isolation gowns for HCPs andothers. These and other needs, as shall hereinafter appear, are met bythe gown devices and method of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention features a tubular plastic structure that can beconverted to a medical gown by strategically heat sealing, or heatsealing and perforating certain portions of the tubular structure,without requiring assembly of multiple parts for creating various partsof the gown, and that further provides improved donning and doffingcharacteristics.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a medical gown that can beobtained from a tubular plastic structure that is easy to remove afteruse.

The present invention provides an isolation gown that does not requireassembly of multiple parts.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the medical gown isconstructed from a tubular structure of plastic material, wherein thetubular structure is manufactured by a blown film process frompolyethylene resin or blends thereof.

The present invention provides a medical gown that can be constructed byheat sealing the tubular structure of the plastic material in a flatconfiguration.

According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a medicalgown comprising two sleeves for covering the arms of the wearer, whereineach sleeve includes an upper seal portion and a lower seal portion, andwherein the gown includes a first gap between the two upper sealportions of the respective sleeves, the first gap defining a neckopening, and a second gap between the two lower seal portions of therespective sleeves, the second gap being configured for accommodatingthe body of the wearer.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the rear panel of the gownincludes a frangible perforation that runs proximate the center line ofthe rear panel from the back of the neck region of the wearer to theentire vertical length of the gown for facilitating tearing so that thegown can be conveniently removed after use.

According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided agap at the upper distal end of each sleeve to serve as a thumb loop anda finger perforation section proximate the gap of each sleeve configuredfor facilitating penetration of wearer's hand through the fingerperforation section with ease. The finger perforation section is alsoreferred to as sleeve perforation in some of the embodiments. The thumbloop is intended to retain the sleeves in an extended configuration andprevent the sleeves from riding up the arm, thereby assuring coverageand protection of the entire arm including the wrist region of thewearer during use.

According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided amedical gown comprising two sleeves for covering the arms of the wearer,a sleeve separating perforation below each of the sleeves to sever eachof the sleeves from the gown material or a flap region below eachsleeve, wherein the flap regions below the two sleeves are configuredfor being overlapped and secured with an adhesive tape or label at theback or the front of the wearer to complete the donning of the medicalgown.

According to still another embodiment of the invention, the sleeveseparating perforation below each sleeve does not an extend to thearmpit region of the wearer for preventing an access path therethrough.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, there is provideda strap perforation below each of the sleeve separating perforations,wherein each strap perforation yields a tie-strap once severed from thegown material, and the two tie-straps thus created under the two sleevescan then be tied together behind the wearer's back for securing theextra gown material.

The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive andmany additional features and advantages will be apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art in view of the drawings, specification, andthe claims. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in thespecification has been principally selected for readability andinstructional purposes, and not to limit the scope of the inventivesubject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a front view of tube 50 shown in a flat configuration thatcan be utilized for constructing a medical gown according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a rear view of the tube shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a view of the tube 50 showing the front and rear panelsthereof with the leading end of tube 50 shown in an open or separatedconfiguration;

FIG. 2A is a front view of tube 70 shown in a flat configuration thatcan be utilized for constructing a medical gown according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a rear view of tube 70 showing a continuous verticalperforated section that can be utilized for doffing according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2C is a view tube 70 showing the front and rear panels thereof withthe leading end of tube 70 shown in an open or separated configuration;

FIG. 3A is a front view of an isolation gown constructed from thetubular structure shown in FIGS. 2A-2C according to an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 3B is a rear view of the isolation gown of FIG. 3A shown apart fromthe tubular structure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the isolation gown of FIGS. 3A-3B withthe bottom front and rear edges separated;

FIG. 5 is a perspective front view of the isolation gown of FIG. 4donned by a wearer;

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the isolation gown of FIG. 4 showing wrappedside flaps secured with a tape;

FIG. 7 is a rear view of an isolation gown featuring a perforation atthe distal end of each sleeve for ease of donning according to anotherembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a partial front view of the isolation gown of FIG. 7 donned bya wearer;

FIG. 9 is a rear view of an isolation gown featuring more secure armpitareas according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a rear view of an isolation gown according to anotherembodiment of the invention having opposite machine directionorientation to the gown shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a rear view of an isolation gown according to anotherembodiment of the invention featuring a gap at the distal end of lowersealed region of each sleeve;

FIG. 12 is a rear view of an isolation gown according another embodimentof the invention featuring tapered sleeves;

FIG. 13 is a rear view of an isolation gown featuring a strapperforation below each of the sleeves for providing straps for securingthe gown in the back;

FIG. 14 is a rear view of the isolation gown of FIG. 13 shown withstraps tied in the back;

FIG. 15 is a rear view of an isolation gown featuring tapered sleeveswherein the armpit region includes an arcuate sealed region and inclinedstrap perforation and inclined finger perforated section;

FIG. 16 is a front view of an isolation gown featuring tapered sleevesand a gap at the distal end of lower sealed region of each sleeve; and

FIG. 17 is a front view of an isolation gown featuring tapered sleeveswherein the lower sealed region of each sleeve converges with anothersealed region at a proximal end of each sleeve.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is described herein with reference to only a fewof the exemplary embodiments, nonetheless, it should be understood thatthe description herein is illustrative of the invention and is not to beconsidered as limiting the invention to the specific embodiments orfeatures that are shown or described herein. The invention is capable ofvarious modifications and variations that can be conceived by one ofskill in the art, and all such modifications and variations are deemedto be included within the scope of the invention.

In embodiments, the medical gown of the present invention is made fromsuitable materials offering acceptable fluid barrier properties for theintended purpose at a health care establishment. According to a specificembodiment of the invention the medical gown of the present inventioncan be utilized as an isolation gown by HCPs while treating patients. Avariety of fluid impermeable materials of suitable thickness can beutilized for fabricating the medical gown of the present invention.Accordingly, plastics, bioplastics, non-woven webs, and/or combinationsthereof can be utilized to practice various embodiments of theinvention. Particularly, polyolefin materials including polyethylene,linear low-density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, high densitypolyethylene, polypropylene, and blends thereof can be utilized forconstructing the medical gowns of the present invention. In addition,colorants, pigments, fillers and processing aids can also beincorporated in the plastic material for manufacturing gowns accordingto the present invention. According to an embodiment the medical gown ofthe present invention the medical is made from a suitable grade ofpolyethylene that is compliant with appropriate regulations for use inmedical devices by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and/or otherregulatory agencies.

In embodiments, medical gowns of the present invention are configured tomeet or exceed the requirements promulgated by American NationalStandards Institute (ANSI) and the Association of the Advancement ofMedical Instrumentation (AAMI) under ANSI/AAMI PB70:2012 standard (the“PB70 Standard”), which addresses liquid barrier performance andclassifies a gown's ability to serve as a barrier to penetration byliquids or liquid-borne pathogens. The PB70 Standard has also beenformally recognized by the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA). ThePB70 Standard defines critical protective zones for surgical andnon-surgical gowns and establishes four levels of barrier protection,namely, Level 1 (Minimal risk; basic care), Level 2 (Low risk; veinalblood draw, ICU, pathology lab), Level 3 (Moderate risk; arterial blooddraw, emergency room, trauma), Level 4 (High risk; pathogen resistance,non-airborne infectious diseases, long duration fluid exposure).

According to another embodiment of the invention the medical gown of thepresent invention has non-isotropic tear properties to facilitatetearing of the gown for doffing after use.

According to an embodiment of the invention the medical gown of thepresent invention is derived from a tubular plastic structure or tube.FIGS. 1A-1C show the longitudinal tubular structure of plastic filmmaterial of continuous finite length or “tube 50” that can be used forconstructing the medical gowns according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. FIGS. 2A-2C show the longitudinal tubular structure ofplastic film material of continuous finite length or “tube 70” that canbe used for constructing the medical gowns according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

In general, the corresponding parts or features in the front and rear oftube 50 and 70 and gowns produced therefrom are represented with thesame numeric designation except that corresponding rear parts orfeatures are generally denoted in an alphanumeric format with the suffix“r”. In addition, symmetrical parts are represented with the samenumeric designation except that corresponding symmetrical part orfeature on the right side of the illustration are identified by a primesymbol (′) suffix, for example the right edge of tube 50 is denoted by16′. It will be realized that relative or relational terms such as frontand rear, left and right, first and second, top and bottom, upper andlower, and other similar terms are merely used to distinguish variousparts, features or attributes shown in the accompanying illustrations toprovide those skilled in the art a meaningful understanding of theinvention and do not necessarily imply an absolute arrangement,relationship or orientation.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show front and rear views of tube 50 in a flatconfiguration respectively, whereas FIG. 1C shows tube 50 with an openend revealing the front and back panels of the tubular structure. Tube50 comprises a front panel or wall section 30 and a rear panel or wallsection 30 r (visible in FIG. 1B) with seamless side extremities oredges 16 and 16′. The front and rear panels of tube 50 are substantiallyidentical. Tube 50 includes leading and trailing ends that can beopened. In FIG. 1C, the front and rear leading edges 14 and 14 r areshown in a pulled apart configuration revealing a portion of the rearwall section 30 r. In the flat configuration of tube 50 (FIGS. 1A-1B),the front and rear wall sections 30 and 30 r are mutually superposedwith inner surfaces of wall sections 30 and 30 r being in close contactwith each other. Tube 50 is symmetrical along a vertical center lineindicated by reference numeral 22 with left edge 16 and right edge 16′being equidistant from centerline 22. Tube 50 can be produced by blownfilm extrusion as is known in the art or by other plastic processingmethods. The direction of extruding tube 50 in the blown film process isparallel to edges 16 and 16′ and is shown by arrow 51.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show front and rear views of tube 70 in a flatconfiguration, whereas FIG. 2C shows tube 70 with an open leading endrevealing the front and back panels of the tubular structure. Tube 70comprises a front panel or wall section 60 and a rear panel or wallsection 60 r with seamless side extremities or edges 66 and 66′. Tube 70is symmetrical along a vertical center line indicated by referencenumeral 22 with side edges 66 and 66′ being equidistant from centerline22. In contrast to tube 50, the front and rear panels of tube 70 have adifferent structure, specifically the rear panel 60 r of tube 70includes a perforated section 72 proximate center line 22 line that runslongitudinally parallel to edges 66 and 66′. It will be realized thatperforated section 72 can be located at the center line 22 or placedproximate thereto such that perforated section 72 is either close toedge 66′ or edge 66. Printed indicia denoted by reference numeral 74 canalso be provided next to the perforated section 72 for instructing thewearer on handling the gowns constructed from tube 70 as describedhereinafter in conjunction with the various gown embodiments constructedfrom tube 70.

Tube 70 includes leading and trailing ends that can be opened. In FIG.2C, the front and rear leading edges 64 and 64 r are shown in a pulledapart configuration revealing a portion of the rear wall section 60 rshowing the perforated section 72. In the flat configuration of tube 70(FIGS. 2A-2B), the front and rear wall sections 60 and 60 r are mutuallysuperposed with inner surfaces of wall sections 60 and 60 r being inclose contact with each other. Tube 70 can be produced by blown filmextrusion process as is known in the art or by other plastic processingmethods. The direction of extruding tube 70 in the blown film process isparallel to edges 66 and 66′ and is shown by arrow 71.

In embodiments, tube 70 (or 50) is extruded from suitable grade ofpolyethylene that is compliant with appropriate regulations for use inmedical devices by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and/or otherregulatory agencies. According to an embodiment of the invention tube 70(or 50) is extruded from a blend comprising low density polyethyleneresin and high-density polyethylene resin. In other embodiments of theinvention, the plastic material for tube 50 or tube 70 can be a blend oflow molecular weight and high molecular weight polymeric material.According to an embodiment of the invention tube 70 (or 50) is made froma blend of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), low densitypolyethylene (LDPE), calcium carbonate and colorant. According toanother embodiment of the invention tube 70 (or 50) is made from a blendof LLDPE, calcium carbonate filler and colorant. In still otherembodiments of the invention, the plastic material can be a compostableresin. In still other embodiments cyclic polyolefins and ethylenepropylene rubber can be utilized for constructing the tubular structurefor producing gowns of the present invention. The front and rear wallsections of either tube 50 or tube 70 may feature smooth, textured, orembossed surfaces. For instances, certain wall sections or portions ofthe gowns according to the present invention may feature textured,patterned, or embossed surfaces. According to an embodiment of theinvention, tube 70 (or tube 50) is configured to include both smooth andembossed surfaces.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B there are shown front and rear views ofgown 200 in a flat configuration according to an embodiment of theinvention wherein like parts bear like reference numerals. It will beapparent from the Figures that gown 200 is derived from tube 70 and hasa similar longitudinal tubular structure comprising a front and a rearsection as discussed above. It will be realized that in the rear view ofFIG. 3B, the numerical references with prime symbol suffixes are shownon the left side of the illustration.

As shown in FIG. 3A, gown 200 is shown connected to or associated withtube 70. Gown 200 comprises a front wall section 60 and a rear wallsection 60 r with closed side extremities or edges 66 and 66′ whereinthe front and rear panels are connected or produced in a seamless mannerby a blown film process as discussed above with reference to tube 70. Inthe flat configuration, the front and rear wall sections 60 and 60 r arearranged in a mutually superposed and congruent relationship when gown200 is held closed with inner surfaces of wall sections 60 and 60 rbeing in close contact with each other. Gown 200 is symmetrical along avertical center line indicated by reference numeral 22 with left edge 66and right edge 66′ being equidistant from centerline 22.

The front and rear wall sections 60 and 60 r of gown 200 are bonded orjoined together by heat sealing, ultrasonic bonding, induction sealing,or other bonding methods known in the art at various locations or sealedregions as described below for providing a wearable structure. Ingeneral, it will be recognized that any of the individual wall sections60 or 60 r as well as any sealed regions provided in gown 200 areconfigured to have adequate and sufficient mechanical, physical andbarrier properties under general conditions of use typically requiredfor isolation gowns and as may be required by applicable regulatorystandards for the intended purpose. In embodiments, gown 200 isconfigured as a non-surgical isolation gown. In other embodiments, gown200 is configured as a surgical isolation gown. In still otherembodiments of the invention, gown 200 is configured for splashprotection from liquids at home, work, and in industrial settings.

The front panel or wall section 60 of gown 200 includes a leading frontedge 64 and a trailing front edge 62. As shown in FIG. 3A the leadingfront edge 64 of tube 70 forms the lower front edge of gown 200, whiletrailing front edge 62 forms the upper front edge of gown 200. In therear panel view of FIG. 3B, rear wall section 60 r of gown 200 includesa rear upper edge 62 r and rear lower edge 64 r. The front and rearbottom edges 64 and 64 r of gown 200 can be pulled apart for separatingwall sections 60 and 60 r for donning or wearing gown 200.

Gown 200 can be separated from the tube 70 at front and rear top edges62 and 62 r by shearing, perforating or cutting through the tubularfront and rear wall sections 60 and 60 r. As shown in FIG. 3A, the fronttop edge 62 of gown 200 separates gown 200 from the next gown 200 n inthe tubular structure 70. Accordingly, a series of gowns can be derivedfrom tube 70 in succession. FIG. 3B shows a rear view of gown 200 in aflat configuration apart or extracted from tube 70.

As shown in front view of FIG. 3A, gown 200 includes a left sleeve 250and a right sleeve 250′, wherein sleeves 250 and 250′ are symmetricalabout center line 22 and configured for accommodating and covering thewearer's arms including the wrist region of the wearer. Left sleeve 250is defined by an upper sealed region 220 and a lower sealed region 230.Similarly, right sleeve 250′ is defined by an upper sealed region 220′and a lower sealed region 230′. Sleeves 250 and 250′ are substantiallystraight with uniform sleeve gap between upper and lower sealed regionsindicated by arrow 36. It will be thus realized that in the straightsealing configuration of sleeves 250 and 250′, the width of the tubularstructure or distance between edges 66 and 66′ is configured toaccommodate the arm-span of a human wearer and gown 200 can be made in avariety of sizes according to the arm-span(s), trunk size(s) andheight(s) of the wearer(s).

It will be realized, however, that gowns can be constructed with taperedsleeves as explained in other exemplary embodiments described herein.

Gown 200 includes a neck opening 242 that is centrally located betweenthe upper sealed regions 220 and 220′ of sleeves 250 and 250′respectively. The lower sealed regions 230 and 230′ of sleeves 250 and250′ respectively are of equal width and symmetrically located aboutcenterline 22 and are spaced apart from each other by gap 238 that isconfigured for accommodating the wearer's torso or chest area. The uppersealed region 220 does not extend all the way to edge 66 and arelatively narrow gap 240 is provided in sleeve 250 between sealedregion 220 and edge 66 for enabling a wearer to insert their handtherethrough for donning the gown 200. Similarly, gap 240′ is providedin sleeve 250′ between sealed region 220′ and edge 66′ for enabling thewearer to insert their other hand therethrough. In an alternate donningprocedure, gaps 240 and 240′ can be utilized as thumb loops and thewearer pierces through the closed edges of the gown material at thedistal ends of sleeves 250 and 250′ for creating openings for theremaining fingers.

The lower sealed regions 230 and 230′ of sleeves 250 and 250′ extendinwardly from edges 66 and 66′ respectively and terminate at respectivearmpit areas 246 and 246′. The sealed regions 230 and 230′ are of equalwidth and symmetrically located about centerline 22 and are spaced apartfrom each other by gap 238 that is configured for accommodating thewearer's torso area. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, gown 200 also featuressealed regions 260 and 260′ that are proximate and parallel to sealedregions 230 and 230′ respectively. Sealed regions 260 and 260′ alsoextend inwardly from edges 66 and 66′ respectively. In between sealedregions 230 and 260 there is provided a perforated section 232 thatallows severing of the gown material along the frangible perforationsfor separating the sleeve 250 from the excess material below the sealedregion 260. The excess material below sealed region 260 is denoted byflap 270 (explained further in reference to FIG. 4). The perforatedsection 232 is configured to be of shorter length than the sealedregions 230 and 260 so that the perforated section 232 does not extendto the sleeve armpit upon separating the sleeve 44 from the rest of thegown material.

As shown in the rear view of FIG. 3B and discussed above with respect toconstruction of tube 70 there is provided a rear perforated section 72proximate center line 22 line that runs longitudinally parallel to edges66 and 66′. It will be realized that rear perforated section 72 can belocated such that perforated section 72 is closer to edge 66′, closer toedge 66 or equidistant from edges 66′ and 66. Printed indicia denoted byreference numeral 74 can also be provided next to the rear perforatedsection 72 for instructing the wearer on handling the gowns constructedfrom tube 70.

Sealed regions 230′ and 260′ bear a symmetrical relationship to regions230 and 260 respectively. In between sealed regions 230′ and 260′ thereis provided a perforated section 232′ that allows severing of the gownmaterial along the frangible perforations for separating the sleeve 250′from the excess material below the sealed region 260′. The excessmaterial below sealed region 26′ is denoted by flap 270′ (explainedfurther in reference to FIG. 4). The perforated section 232′ isconfigured to be of shorter length than the sealed regions 230′ and 260′so that the perforated section 232′ does not extend to the sleeve armpitupon severing of the sleeve 250′ from the rest of the gown material. Itwill be realized that perforated sections 232′ and 232 are sometimesreferred to as underarm perforated sections.

It will be apparent from the above description that sealed regions 220,230 and 260 are co-symmetric with correspondingly respective sealedregions 220′, 230′ and 260′ about centerline 22. In the exemplaryembodiment shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, symmetric pairs of sealed regions—220 and 220′, 230 and 230′, 260 and 260′ are shown in a single-lip-sealformat for illustrative purposes, however it will be realized by thoseskilled in the art that any one or more of the sealed region pairs canutilize a variety of design configurations such as—thin lip, thick lip,single lip, dual lip, or combinations thereof. Sealed regions 260 and260′ are also referred to as auxiliary sealed regions in someembodiments of the invention.

The inner surfaces of gown 200 can be accessed by pulling apart frontand rear bottom edges 64 and 64 r and separating wall sections 60 and 60r for donning and wearing gown 200.

FIG. 4 shows gown 200 in a ready-to-wear state with front wall section60 and rear wall section 60 r shown in a pulled apart state revealingboth the front bottom edge 64 and rear bottom edge 64 r. Neck opening242 created by the unsealed portion between upper sealed regions 220 and220′ is configured for accommodating the wearer's neck by separatingfront top edge 62 and rear top edge 62 r. First and second sleeves 250and 250′ respectively are shown in a detached state from the rest of thegown material for allowing manipulation during wearing gown 200. Sleeve250 is created by severing along perforated section 232 (see FIG. 3A)and separating sealed regions 230 and 260. The proximal end of sealedregions 230 and 260 is denoted by reference numeral 246 and defines afirst armpit region of the wearer. Extra gown material below sealedregion 260 forms a flap 270 that can be wrapped around the wearer's body(best shown in FIG. 6).

In congruity with the above, sleeve 250′ is created by severing alongperforated section 232′ (see FIG. 3A) and separating sealed regions 230′and 260′. The proximal end of sealed regions 230′ and 260′ is denoted byreference numeral 246′ and defines the second armpit region of thewearer. Extra gown material below sealed region 260′ forms a flap 270′that can be wrapped around the wearer's body along with flap 270 tocomplete donning of gown 200 (as further explained below with referenceto FIG. 6). The gaps 240 and 240′ can be utilized by the wearer forpenetrating their hands through the closed edges at the respectivedistal ends of sleeves 250 and 250′.

FIG. 5 illustrates gown 200 after donning by wearer 80 showing a donningoption according to an embodiment of the invention. The unsealed portionor gap 242 between sealed regions 220 and 220′ is adapted foraccommodating wearer's neck 84. Sleeves 250 and 250′ are configured foraccommodating wearers arms including the wrist region of the wearer. Thegap or unsealed portion at the distal end of the sleeves 250 and 250′ isshown penetrated by wearer's hands 82 and 82′. The extra gown materialin forms of flaps 270 and 270′ is secured in the rear as furtherexplained below.

FIG. 6 illustrates the rear or back side of gown 200 after donning bythe wearer showing a donning option according to an embodiment of theinvention. Rear perforated section 72 is partially visible and can beutilized for tearing along the frangible perforations for removing gown200 after use. As also shown, flap 270′ is wrapped around the rear ofgown 200 over flap 270, wherein flaps 270 and 270′ are secured at therear by at least one adhesive tape closure or tape 280. In FIG. 6, theadhesive tape 280 is shown placed closed to the center line of the gown200 and partially covering sealed regions 260′ and 260. In otherembodiments, adhesive tape 280 can be placed at other locations forsecuring flaps 270 and 270′ depending on the range of motion of thewearer or comfort level.

In alternate embodiments of the invention, flaps 270 and 270′ can bemanipulated and secured in a variety of configurationsincluding—securing the flaps in rear by employing multiple tape closureat multiple locations; securing the flaps in the front with tape toprovide extra layers of splash protection; and securing one of the flapsin the front and one of the flaps in the back to provide extraprotection at both the front and the back of the wearer. Flaps 270 and270′ can also be left loose on the sides.

FIG. 7 shows a rear view of gown 300 according to another embodiment ofthe invention constructed from tube 70 (FIGS. 2A-2C). It will be ofcourse realized that that any of the illustrated gown embodiments can beconstructed from either tube 70 or tube 50. Gown 300 is similar to gown200 (FIGS. 3A-6) discussed herein above in most respects except thatsleeves 250′ and 250 feature finger perforation sections 282′ and 282 atthe respective distal ends extending inwardly from edges 66′ and 66respectively. Finger perforation sections 282′ and 282 at the distal endof the sleeves are also referred to as sleeve perforations in some ofthe embodiments. According to an embodiment of the invention, the sleeveperforation sections 282′ and 282 are typically about 2 inches in lengthbut can vary between 1 to 4 inches.

FIG. 8 shows gown 300 donned by a wearer. Finger perforation sections282′ and 282 are configured for facilitating penetration of wearer'shand through the frangible perforations with ease and to workcooperatively with gaps 240′ and 240 respectively as shown in FIG. 8. Asshown, gaps 240 and 240′ serve as thumb openings into the sleeves 250and 250′ for forming thumb loops, while finger perforation sections 282and 282′ enable the wearer to insert respective hands 82 and 82′therethrough. Each thumb loop is intended to retain the sleeve in anextended configuration and prevent the sleeve from riding up the arm,thereby assuring coverage and protection of the entire arm including thewrist region of the wearer during use.

FIG. 9 shows a rear view of gown 310 according to another embodiment ofthe invention constructed from tube 70 (FIGS. 2A-2C). Gown 310 issimilar to gown 300 (FIGS. 7-8) discussed herein above in most respectsexcept that sleeves 250′ and 250 feature closed arcuate armpit regions264′ and 264 respectively which provide improved security and sealstrength in the high stress armpit region. It will also be noted that inthe gown embodiments shown so far (gowns 200, 300 310) the lower rearedge 64 r of the gowns 200, 300 and 310 is the leading edge of thetubular structure as denoted by arrow 71 which points towards the loweredge 64 r, and the trailing edge 62 r forms the upper edge of thesegowns.

FIG. 10 shows a rear view of gown 320 according to still anotherembodiment of the invention wherein an alternate sealing arrangement isshown. In FIG. 10, the machine direction of the tubular structure isreversed and is shown by an upward pointing arrow 73 and the leadingedge 64 r forms the upper rear edge of gown 320 while the trailing edge62 r forms the lower edge of gown 320. Thus, the lower open end of thegowns can be formed by the leading edges (gowns 200, 300 and 310) or atthe trailing edges (gown 320).

FIG. 11 shows a rear view of gown 330 according to another embodiment ofthe invention. Gown 330 features sleeves 252′ and 252 comprising uppersealed regions 221′ and 221, and lower sealed regions 231′ and 231respectively. Sealed regions 221′ and 221 extend inwardly from sideedges 66′ and 66 and do not feature a gap or opening at the distal endsthereof; however distal ends of lower sealed regions 231′ and 231feature gaps 241′ and 241. Gaps 241′ and 241 are revealed after thesleeves 252′ and 252 are separated from the rest of the gown material bysevering along perforated sections 232′ and 232. Thus, gown 330 allows awearer to insert their thumbs through the lower portion of the sleevesat the distal end of sealed regions 231′ and 231, and the wearer canpierce their hands through the finger perforation sections 282′ and 282for donning gown 330 and complete donning as described hereinabove.

FIG. 12 shows a rear view of gown 340 according to another embodiment ofthe invention. Gown 340 features symmetrical tapered sleeves 254′ and254 that are obtained by sealing the lower section of the sleeves at anincline. As shown in previous embodiments, upper sealed regions 220′ and220 feature gaps 240′ and 240 at respective distal ends thereof. Lowersealed regions 234′ and 234 extend inwardly at symmetric inclinationsfrom side edges 66′ and 66 respectively such that the distal ends oftapered sleeves 254′ and 254 are relatively constricted in comparison tothe proximal ends thereof.

Sealed tapered regions 264′ and 264 extend inwardly at symmetric anglesfrom edges 66′ and 66 from locations below sealed regions 234′ and 234respectively. Inclined perforated sections 233′ and 233 extend inwardlyfrom side edges 66′ and 66 respectively. Sleeves 254′ and 254 can beseparated from the rest of the gown material by severing along theperforated sections 233′ and 233 respectively. Thereafter, gown 340 canbe donned in a manner according to the illustrative embodiment shown inFIGS. 4-6 or alternate donning embodiments discussed above.

FIG. 13 shows a rear view of gown 350 according to another embodiment ofthe invention. Gown 350 is similar in construction to gown 300 (FIG. 7)wherein like parts bear like reference numerals; however, gown 350additionally features strap perforations 284′ and 284 that extendinwardly from side edges 66′ and 66. Strap perforations are referred toas supplemental perforations in some embodiments of the invention. Strapperforations can be severed from the gown material to provide straps290′ and 290 that can be tied at the back as shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 14 shows a rear view of gown 350, showing straps 290′ and 290 tiedtogether by knot 292.

FIG. 15 shows a rear view of gown 360 according to another embodiment ofthe invention showing a combination of tapered sleeves (254′ and 254),inclined finger perforation sections (283′ and 283), and inclined strapperforations (285′ and 285). Gown 360 features tapered sleeves similarto gown 340 of FIG. 12. Gown 360 additionally features inclined fingerperforation sections 283′ and 283 emanating inwardly from side edges 66′and 66 respectively that enable the wearer to insert his/her handstherethrough during the donning process. The respective inclinations offinger perforation sections 283′ and 283 are configured to support thenatural motion of the wearer's hands while donning gown 360. Inclinedstrap perforations 285′ and 285 yield straps post-severing to be tied atthe back as shown in FIG. 14. In addition, gown 360 also shows arcuateseal regions 266′ and 266 that close off the respective armpit areas forimproved security and increased resistance to damage or a compromisedsealed region during use.

FIG. 16 shows a front view of gown 400 according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention. FIG. 16 shows gown 400 constructed fromtube 50, however gown 400 could also be constructed from tube 70 withvertical perforations in the rear of the gown for convenient doffing.Gown 400 includes tapered sleeves 48 and 48′ that are symmetrical aboutcenterline 22 and configured to cover the wearer's arms including thewrist region. Tapered sleeve 48 is defined by an upper sealed region 21and an inclined dual-lip lower sealed region 29. Similarly, taperedsleeve 48′ is defined by an upper sealed region 21′ and an inclineddual-lip lower sealed region 29′. Lower sealed regions 29 and 29′ extendinwardly at symmetric inclinations from a position proximate side edges16 and 16′ respectively such that the distal ends of tapered sleeves 48and 48′ are relatively constricted in comparison to the proximal endsthereof. Gaps 43 and 43′ are provided at distal ends of lower sealedregions 29 and 29′.

Sleeves 48 and 48′ can be separated from the rest of the gown materialby severing along the perforated sections 33 and 33′ respectively.Sealed tapered regions 31 and 31′ below perforated sections extendinwardly at symmetric angles from edges 16 and 16′ to seal off free endsof flap regions 52 and 52′. Gown 400 can be donned in a manner accordingto the illustrative embodiments discussed above.

FIG. 17 shows a front view of gown 410 according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention. FIG. 17 shows gown 410 constructed fromtube 50, however, any of the gown embodiments shown herein can beconstructed from either tube 50 or tube 70. Furthermore, variousfeatures shown in different embodiments can be combined unless twofeatures are mutually exclusive or contradictory in nature. FIG. 17shows tapered sleeves 48 and 48′, wherein proximal ends of inclined sealsections 35 and 37 converge at armpit region 58, and similarly proximalends of inclined seal sections 35′ and 37′ converge at armpit region58′. It will be realized that the respective inclinations of sealedregions 35 and 37 are not parallel and intersect at proximal end 58 todefine a sealed armpit region. Similarly, sealed regions 35′ and 37′intersect at proximal end 58′ to define the other sealed armpit region.The configuration shown in FIG. 17 providing improved security and tearresistance in the armpit regions.

The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has beenpresented for the purposes of illustration and description and not forlimiting the scope of the invention. Each and every page of thissubmission, and all content herein, however characterized, identified,or numbered, is considered a substantive part of this application forall purposes, irrespective of form or placement within the application.This specification is not intended to be exhaustive. Although thepresent application is shown in a limited number of forms, the scope ofthe invention is not limited to just these forms but is amenable tovarious changes and modifications without departing from the spiritthereof. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from theforegoing description that many modifications and variations to theembodiments shown herein are possible in light of this disclosure.Accordingly, the claimed subject matter includes any combination of theabove-described elements in all possible variations thereof, unlessotherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.In particular, the limitations presented in examples of dependent claimsbelow can be combined with their corresponding independent claimexamples in any number and in any order without departing from the scopeof this disclosure, unless the dependent claims are logicallyincompatible with each other.

What is claimed is:
 1. A medical gown for protecting a wearer, said gowncomprising: a front panel and a rear panel, said front and rear panelsforming a tubular structure, said tubular structure including a firstside edge, a second side edge, and an open bottom end for donning saidmedical gown; a first sleeve defined by a first upper sealed region anda first lower sealed region; a second sleeve defined by a second uppersealed region and second lower sealed region, each of the first andsecond sleeves being configured to cover an arm of the wearer to an areaproximate a wrist of the wearer; a neck opening defined by a firstunsealed region between the first upper sealed region and the secondupper sealed region; a first gap provided at a distal end of said firstupper sealed region of the first sleeve; a second gap provided at adistal end of said second upper sealed region of the second sleeve; eachof said first and second gaps being configured for penetration of atleast a first portion of a hand of the wearer therethrough; a rearperforated section provided in the rear panel of the gown proximate avertical center line, wherein the rear perforated section is configuredfor facilitating removal of said gown from the body of the wearer. 2.The medical gown according to claim 1, further comprising a first sleeveperforation provided at a distal end of said first sleeve, a secondsleeve perforation provided at a distal end of said second sleeve,wherein each of said first and second sleeve perforations beingconfigured for penetration of at least a second portion of the hand ofthe wearer therethrough.
 3. The medical gown according to claim 2,wherein said first and second gaps are respectively proximate to saidfirst and second sleeve perforations, each of said first and second gapsbeing configured for protruding a thumb portion of the wearertherethrough, and each of said first and second sleeve perforationsbeing configured for protruding a finger portion of the wearertherethrough.
 4. The medical gown according to claim 1, wherein each ofsaid first and second gaps at the distal end of the first and secondsleeves respectively are configured for protruding a thumb portion ofthe wearer therethrough, and wherein each of the first and secondsleeves forming a loop around said thumb portion of the wearer.
 5. Themedical gown according to claim 1, wherein the medical gown is comprisedof a fluid impermeable material.
 6. The medical gown according to claim1, wherein said neck opening defined by said first unsealed regionranges from about 8.5 inches to about 12.5 inches.
 7. The medical gownaccording to claim 1, wherein said neck opening defined by said firstunsealed region is greater than 9 inches.
 8. The medical gown accordingto claim 1, wherein said first gap is greater than 1 inch.
 9. Themedical gown according to claim 1, wherein said second gap is about 2inches.
 10. The medical gown according to claim 1, wherein the length ofthe first upper sealed region ranges from 25 to 35 inches.
 11. Themedical gown according to claim 1, wherein the length of the first lowersealed region ranges from 16 to 25 inches.
 12. The medical gownaccording to claim 1, wherein an unsealed length between the first lowersealed region of the first sleeve and the second lower sealed region ofthe second sleeve ranges from about 28 to 35 inches.
 13. The medicalgown according to claim 1, wherein the height of the gown from the neckopening to the open bottom end ranges from 42 to 58 inches.
 14. Themedical gown according to claim 1, wherein the medical gown isconstructed from a plastic material.
 15. The medical gown according toclaim 1, wherein the medical gown is constructed from a bioplasticmaterial.
 16. The medical gown according to claim 1, wherein the medicalgown is constructed from a non-woven material.
 17. The medical gownaccording to claim 1, wherein the medical gown is constructed from acombination of a plastic and a non-woven material.
 18. The medical gownaccording to claim 1, wherein the medical gown is constructed from apolyolefin material comprising at least one of—linear low-densitypolyethylene, low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, andpolypropylene.
 19. The medical gown according to claim 1, wherein themedical gown is constructed from a material comprising a blend of:polyethylene resin, a filler, an anti-block additive, and a colorant.20. The medical gown according to claim 1, wherein the tubular structureis formed of a blown film.
 21. The medical gown according to claim 1,wherein a printed message is provided proximate the rear perforatedsection for instructing the wearer for removing the gown after use. 22.The medical gown according to claim 1, wherein the medical gown isconfigured for facilitating tearing of the medical gown along said rearperforated section.
 23. The medical gown according to claim 1, whereinthe tubular structure has a continuous finite length.
 24. The medicalgown according to claim 1, wherein the tubular structure is symmetricalalong a vertical center line.
 25. The medical gown according to claim 1,wherein the medical gown is configured to meet at least the minimumlevel regulatory requirements of ANSI/AAMI PB70 standard.
 26. Themedical gown according to claim 1, further comprising: a first underarmperforated section located proximately below the first lower sealedregion of the first sleeve, said first underarm perforated section beingconfigured for severing said first sleeve from a first gown portionbelow said first sleeve, and a second underarm perforated sectionlocated proximately below the second lower sealed region of the secondsleeve, said second underarm perforated section being configured forsevering said second sleeve from a second gown portion below said secondsleeve.
 27. The medical gown according to claim 26, wherein the firstand second gown portions below said first and second sleeves are securedwith an adhesive tape after donning of the gown by the wearer.
 28. Themedical gown according to claim 26, wherein the first and second gownportions below said first and second sleeves are secured at a back ofthe wearer with an adhesive tape.
 29. The medical gown according toclaim 26, wherein the first underarm perforated section is shorter thanthe first lower sealed region of the first sleeve, and second underarmperforated section is shorter than the second lower sealed region of thesecond sleeve.
 30. The medical gown according to claim 26, wherein eachof the first and second underarm perforated sections do not extend to anarmpit area of the wearer.
 31. The medical gown according to claim 26,further comprising a first auxiliary sealed region proximately belowsaid first underarm perforated section, and a second auxiliary sealedregion proximately below said second underarm perforated section. 32.The medical gown according to claim 31, wherein a proximal end of thefirst auxiliary sealed region abuts a proximal end of the first lowersealed region, and, a proximal end of the second auxiliary sealed regionabuts a proximal end of the second lower sealed region.
 33. The medicalgown according to claim 31, wherein the first lower sealed region of thefirst sleeve and the first auxiliary sealed region are parallel, and thesecond lower sealed region of the second sleeve and the second auxiliarysealed region are parallel.
 34. The medical gown according to claim 31,further comprising a first arcuate armpit sealed region connectingproximal ends of the first lower sealed region and the first auxiliarysealed region; and, a second arcuate armpit sealed region connectingproximal ends of the second lower sealed region and the second auxiliarysealed region.
 35. The medical gown according to claim 31, wherein saidfirst and second auxiliary sealed regions have a dual lip sealconfiguration.
 36. The medical gown according to claim 1, wherein saidfirst and second lower sealed regions have a dual lip sealconfiguration.
 37. The medical gown according to claim 1, wherein saidfirst and second upper sealed regions have a dual lip sealconfiguration.
 38. The medical gown according to claim 1, wherein thefirst and second sleeves are substantially straight with a uniform gapbetween the upper and the lower sealed regions of each of the first andsecond sleeves.
 39. The medical gown according to claim 38, wherein theuniform gap ranges from 9 to 12 inches.
 40. The medical gown accordingto claim 1, wherein each of the first and second sleeves is taperedcomprising a constricted distal end relative to a proximal end thereof.41. The medical gown according to claim 31, further comprising a firstsupplemental perforation located proximately below the first auxiliarysealed region, and a second supplemental perforation located proximatelybelow the second auxiliary sealed region.
 42. The medical gown accordingto claim 41, wherein said first supplemental perforation beingconfigured to yield a first strap, and said second supplementalperforation being configured to yield a second strap; and, wherein saidfirst and second straps being configured for tying said gown at a backof the wearer.
 43. The medical gown according to claim 41, wherein thefirst sleeve perforation, the first underarm perforated section and thefirst supplemental perforation are respectively co-symmetric with thesecond sleeve perforation, the second underarm perforated section andsecond supplemental perforation.
 44. The medical gown according to claim41, wherein the first sleeve perforation, the first underarm perforatedsection and the first supplemental perforation extend inwardly from thefirst side edge of the tubular structure and are approximatelyperpendicular to the first side edge; and wherein the second sleeveperforation, the second underarm perforated section, and the secondsupplemental perforation extend inwardly from the second side edge andare approximately perpendicular to the second side edge of the tubularstructure.
 45. The medical gown according to claim 41, wherein the firstsleeve perforation, the first underarm perforated section and the firstsupplemental perforation extend inwardly downward from the first sideedge of the tubular structure and are inclined towards the open bottomend of the gown; and wherein the second sleeve perforation, the secondunderarm perforated section, and the second supplemental perforationextend inwardly downward from the second side edge of the tubularstructure and are inclined towards the open bottom of the gown.
 46. Themedical gown according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the front andrear panels of the medical gown features a smooth surface.
 47. Themedical gown according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the front andrear panels of the medical gown features a textured surface.
 48. Themedical gown according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the front andrear panels of the medical gown features an embossed surface.